Lupus on the scalp, typically discoid lupus, looks like thick, red, coin-shaped, scaly patches that can crust over and lead to skin discoloration, scarring, and permanent hair loss as follicles are destroyed. These lesions often appear in sun-exposed areas and can cause dark or light spots where hair doesn't grow back. Other forms might cause general thinning (non-scarring alopecia) or blisters (bullous lupus).
There are several subtypes of chronic cutaneous lupus, but the most common is discoid lupus, a disease that causes distinct patches on your skin. Symptoms of discoid lupus include: Round, coin-shaped patches of inflamed skin on your face or scalp.
In the light of positive immunological markers, a diagnosis of drug induced-systemic lupus erythematosus likely caused by metronidazole exposure.
A discoid lupus rash typically: Doesn't itch or cause pain. Has circular, coin- or disk-shaped patches that are thick and scaly. May scar or discolor skin (lighter or darker than your natural tone or red to purple) when it heals.
About 10% of all people with lupus will experience hives (urticaria). These lesions usually itch, and even though people often experience hives due to allergic reactions, hives lasting more than 24 hours are likely due to lupus.
Red, raised welts or bumps on your skin that may hurt or sting. Blanching (the center of the hive turns white when you press it). Itchy skin (pruritus).
The rash associated with acute cutaneous lupus appears in a recognizable butterfly pattern that spreads across the nose and cheeks. This rash is flat, red, and itchy, and it usually appears after sun exposure. Occasionally, a rash may appear on other parts of the body, such as the arms and legs.
The sores most commonly develop on your scalp and face, but they may show up on other parts of your body. Discoid lesions typically do not hurt or itch. They may be scaly, thick or red.
Lupus causes swelling and irritation, called inflammation, that may affect joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs. Lupus can be hard to diagnose because its symptoms often are like those of other illnesses. A common sign of lupus is a facial rash that looks like butterfly wings across both cheeks.
It can copy skin conditions: The butterfly rash across the bridge of the nose and both cheeks is a tell-tale sign of lupus but it could be rosacea instead. Other lupus skin symptoms can resemble eczema or psoriasis. A rash from lupus can be painful or itchy, and sun exposure can bring it on or make it worse.
Lupus causes
Genetic factors: Having certain genetic variations may make you more likely to have lupus. Hormones: Reactions to certain hormones in your body (especially estrogen) may make you more likely to develop lupus. Environmental factors: These are aspects about where you live, work or spend time.
The Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infects more than 94% of people on Earth. While EBV has long been associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the mechanism(s) by which it may promote disease has remained unclear — until now.
There have been rare reports of Ozempic triggering drug-induced lupus.
If the skin rash and sores associated with cutaneous lupus don't improve after taking steroid or antimalarial medications, your dermatologist may recommend an immunosuppressant medication. This medication suppresses the body's overactive immune system, reducing redness, swelling, burning, and itchiness.
Lupus can attack many different parts of the body. Some call it the cruel mystery. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can strike any part of the body, but the wide range of symptoms can be easily mistaken for something else.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that causes patchy hair loss anywhere on your body, but it most commonly affects the hair on the skin that covers your head (scalp). “Alopecia” is a medical term for hair loss or baldness, and “areata” means that it occurs in small, random areas.
Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test.
This test can show this type of antibodies, which attack the body's own tissues. Most people with lupus have a positive ANA test, but most people with a positive ANA do not have lupus. If you have a positive ANA test, you may need more testing.
Steroids Synthetic cortisone medications are some of the most effective treatments for reducing the swelling, warmth, pain, and tenderness associated with the inflammation of lupus. Cortisone usually works quickly to relieve these symptoms.
Lupus Signs, Symptoms, and Co-occuring Conditions
Discoid lupus is so-named since the rash is often disc-shaped. The rash usually appears on the scalp and face, but sometimes it also appears on other body parts. Only around 20% of discoid lupus patients also have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Discoid lupus sores are often red, scaly, and raised.
Key Takeaways. Scalp pain can be caused by conditions like infections, psoriasis, and sunburn. Treatment for scalp infections may include antibiotics or antifungal medications. Sunburns on the scalp can be treated with cool showers and moisturizing creams.
Use gentle hair products, like baby shampoo, to avoid irritating your scalp. Check with your doctor before trying new products. Avoid heat and chemicals, including curlers, hot combs, and chemical treatments, which can weaken hair and cause further damage.
Some uncommon symptoms of lupus include angina, stroke and mini-stroke, pregnancy loss, kidney problems, and blood problems. Lupus can be difficult to diagnose, but reporting less common symptoms may help doctors make an accurate diagnosis.
Psoriasis is one of the most well-known autoimmune skin disorders. It causes skin cells to multiply rapidly, leading to thick, scaly patches that can be itchy and painful. These patches, often called plaques, are commonly found on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.
Lupus hair loss usually happens gradually all over the head instead of in obvious bald patches like in male or female pattern baldness. Keep an eye out for more hairs on your brush, thinning at the scalp line or crown, and unusual breakage. Don't ignore these red flags.